The Abyss


Lindsey: "There is something down there. Something...not us."
Bud: "You could be more specific."
Lindsey: "Not us. Not human. Get it? Something non-human, but intelligent."



release year: 1989
genre: sci-fi
viewing setting: home DVD, 12/6/20 and 1/18/18 and 3/25/12 and 8/21/05 and 2/2/01 and home laserdisc 4/18/98

synopsis: The Deepcore underwater drilling station and its crew are recruited by the Navy to check out a sunken nuclear sub, the sinking of which has caused a major international incident. As global tensions escalate, the crew (plus the Navy SEALs sent down to deal with the nuclear threat) not only bicker, but also find something else...something not from Earth.

impressions: This is a much different movie from the theatrical release. The threat of nuclear war is more serious here, as as certain other related events. There's an incredible amount of underwater action, including divers, minisubs, alien stuff, and disasters. The plot is solid and the acting and special effects are top-notch. If you're a fan of underwater adventure and/or alien contact, you will like this.

something this movie has that no other movie has: 1000-foot tidal waves controlled by aliens

acting: Ed Harris is the tough but level-headed blue-collar guy in charge of the rig, and he does a great job here. Michael Biehn is the paranoid leader of the SEAL team, and he also does a good job. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (you may recall her as Marion from the Costner Robin Hood) is Harris' competent but irritating ex-wife.

final word: If you liked the theatrical version, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. If you've never seen the movie at all, you should see this version and not bother with the regular one.

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